New Prop advise wanted

GodsBeast · Aug 25, 2003

I now have 30 hours on my Odyssey Lextra 2502 Tripontoon. It is powered by a 350 Mag MPI 5.7L (300 hp) Mercruiser (serial number OM635489). It has an Alpha One Sterndrive (serial # OL953687). Transom Assembly serial # OM581965. The propeller # is 48 832828A45 17P. I am wanting to buy another Prop (prefer Stainless Steel) and have my Aluminum prop (reshaped, "One blade has a slight bend in it") and keep the Aluminum prop, and spare locknut, hardware, etc. on board as spares. I was told, and agree that this is a good idea! I have only had the boat at WOT 3 times after the 20 break-in hours. 1 time with 6 people, 2 LOADED Ice chests, Full tank (24 gallons of gas) and an extra (full) 5 gallon tank, & a good bit of gear on board. My Stalker radar, showed I was running 43 MPH (the prop had the bend, all 3 times at WOT). No vibrations, that anyone noticed. At this time I was not aware, or don't remember the RPM's. Went back to the dock to pick up another arriving couple. Now with 8 Adults, 3 LOADED Ice chests, all above weight still on board, Radar showed 37 MPH. This time I had to slow for an Oncoming Tug Boat, and we just Cruised from that point on. Now on a later date, (Didn't bring Radar) just my wife and I, Ice Chest, and 31 gallons gas, Gear, etc. noticed at WOT, Rpm's was about 4650. Tack was closer to 4600 than 4800. Take into consideration, that I am still learning the proper positioning of the trim (I have a guage). I also have not held WOT for any length of time, yet, I'm still learning. I got an E mail from a guy that had 6 people on and Odyssey Lextra 27' tritoon, same motor power train and prop as I have. Now he knows trim and he was running in the 50's. I sometime pull a wakeboard, it has plenty of power (with this prop) We do a LOT of cruising, so I am interested in a prop that will keep the speed up, not damage my engine, and I would like to pass a gas pump up, once in a while, without filling up!

Sorry for the long question, but I tried to answer questions that I have seen asked to other's asking this question. If I left something out, ASK, I'll answer.

I would APPRECIATE, and WELCOME ANY ADVISE, on which style, type, and right pitch prop to check into first! Fire away, I ready to RUN!

Just one of GodsBeast's

Boatist · Aug 25, 2003

Re: New Prop advise wanted

WOT RPMS for that motor is 4600- 5000 rpms. So assumeing prop not bent so bad as to change it pitch or cause a big drag I think you have the right pitch. When I changed from aluminum to same pitch stainless on my V hull I picked up about 3 MPH but RPMS almost the same. Stainless has different cupping and thinner blades. Since you are running 4650 with your light load I do not think you want to go to any higher pitch. If you go to a lower pitch you will loose fuel mileage and speed. You will have more power. Each inch change in pitch = about 200 RPM change. So if you go to a 15 pitch with your light load you are looking at 5050 RPMS. But again this would be slower and use more fuel.

GodsBeast · Aug 25, 2003

Re: New Prop advise wanted

Hey, I appreciate the reply Boatist, one thing is for sure, I do have plenty of power right now, and if I get any worse on fuel, I'll have to tie a rope from fuel pump to pump

Just kidding, but I don't want to get any worse. A friend suggested maybe trying a 19, but as you posted that would put me in the ball park of 4450. I am also glad you replied because I was under the assumption that my RPM's should be between 4400 and 4600, and thought I was crowding the high end, one reason I would not hold it at WOT for any length of time. The prop blade is not bent that bad, Using a guide, I gently bent it back as best I could with 2 pairs of Chanelocks. It was bent between 16 and 20 hrs. Hey I appreciate your opinion and advise, hopefully I will get some more suggestions and tips before going in and showing how little I know about them, when buying one.

Just one of GodsBeast's

GodsBeast · Aug 27, 2003

Re: New Prop advise wanted

Hey, no other opinion's? I was hoping to get a few suggestions. GodsBeast

Boatin Bob · Aug 27, 2003

Re: New Prop advise wanted

I know you want to keep this post going so I'll just add 2 cents worth? You sound like you may already be in the optimal range now with existing prop however the SS is different from the aluminum so if you can get a hold of a 19 pitch SS you may find that the rpm's don't drop quite as low as a 19 alum but you should get a little better top end and a little better mileage at cruising speed. The down side is the SS cost more. How did you bend the aluminum? because you don't want to be doing that with the SS, it's not as forgiving as alum and could really hurt your drive.

GodsBeast · Aug 27, 2003

Re: New Prop advise wanted

Thanks for your input Boatin Bob, I appreciate it. Your the second person (not on post) that suggested the 19 in SS. Something to consider. I either bent the prop blade in one or two ways. On the same trip, in the Intercoastal Canal, I forgot my depth finder at home. The wife and I wanted to look at a camp and a Double Decker Party Barge (Houseboat really) and I decided to creep into a smaller canal, Very slowly, I hit bottom. Cut power, raised trim, and slowly backed out. The only other way it could have been bent, the wife was driving, same trip, and I pointed out a floating piece of log (a short piece of a large limb wood) she turned right into it. I heard the prop hit it, but it wasn't dramatic, and I felt no vibration, and I wanted to play it down, the wife was upset enough. That evening I got two pair of Chanelock's and bent the tip back over approximatly 1 inch and its in the ballpark, till I get the right NEW Prop, and have it Reshaped. Others suggested that if I am going to continue to run in the Intercoastal (and I am) that I should try a SS prop. What do you think? Also Bob, I have a 17 Aluminum on it now , not a 19 Alum. the numbers on the prop are 48 832828A45 17P if that helps with any further suggestions that you have.

walleyehed · Aug 27, 2003

Re: New Prop advise wanted

Got to add my thoughts as well....#1 SSprops are usually cupped MORE, and pull slightly harder in most cases because of that, although you CAN purchase load pushing props that are low rake, and low cup, but minimum performance to say the least.If it were mine, I'd be looking for a MERCURY VENGEANCE in 17" pitch. as far as lower unit stress, we run ONLY SS props when running high-speed in timber infested waters, because hitting a small limb at idle can bend alum. If you hit something hard enough to cause highstress, the hub will slip....hubs are easy for the prop-shops to install, and about the same cost as repairing an aluminum prop.

GodsBeast · Aug 27, 2003

Re: New Prop advise wanted

Thanks for the input Walleyehed, everyone seems to agree with the SS prop idea, EXCEPT my dealer, though he did not say, don't do it, When I purchased the boat, I asked about it then, they were rushing to prep the boat, so I could pull it 7 hours home. At that time he said that the Aluminum prop on it was what they felt was the recomended prop for it. I do plan to ask him next time he calls if I go to SS, which one would he recomend. (Can you believe he actually calls me, regularly to update, and check how things are going?) I'll ask him about the Mercury Vengeance 17" pitch. I am not running in a timber infested waters, but Obviously

I ran into some already! I also realize that the Alpha One is the lower scale outdrive, and I was told with the power my motor has, to take care not to over stress the Alpha One outdrive. Maybe I should have held out for a Bravo Outdrive, but I had held the Wife off of making a purchase, as long as I could at the time, and the Alpha was what was on it. Hey, I really appreciate your time in replying, I don't know much about computers, and even less about boats, but I'm learning with the help of you all. GodsBeast

BrianFD · Aug 28, 2003

Re: New Prop advise wanted

Godsbeast, I don't think you're going to over-stress a new Alpha 1. Might I suggest that you talk to a prop shop that may (for a deposit) allow you to try a 19 pitch ss, with you having the intent to buy it after test? You really don't know how much difference a ss prop responds/reacts until you try one. Just this spring, I purchased a same-size ss prop (Stiletto) through Overton's. I couldn't believe the difference in hole-shot, rpm/speed ratio, and gallons-per-mile, err, miles per gallon, hehehe. I'm really pleased! Good luck, and Happy Boating! Brian

GodsBeast · Aug 28, 2003

Re: New Prop advise wanted

Thanks BrianFD, I have an off line friend, that has a friend that has a prop shop, and does just that, pay a deposit, and try props till you get the right one. That is, IF he has the one you want to try in his stock!

I have heard some talk about this, and appreciate you bringing it up, there should be other shops around that do this if he does not have the one I want in his stock. Now about the Alpha One outdrive, I have been led to believe it is the lower (in price) and the lowest grade of the Outdrives compared to Bravo's. Is this not correct? When I had asked a question about the proper gear lube for the outdrive, a friend E mailed me and explained that because of the horsepower of my motor, and having the Alpha one being driven by it, that he would use the High Performance Quicksilver gear lube in the Alpha, because it has a Extreme Pressure additive in it. He said that other Outboard lower gear lube did not have this additive and wouldn't take the chance of using this lube because he felt the Alpha was at it's peek stress level. Another words if the motor was any bigger, it would probably have a Bravo on it. All this to simply ask is a Bravo of better quality than the Alpha's? If not, why do they costs more? Again, thanks for your opinion and input, I am learning with every post! GodsBeast

Coach · Aug 28, 2003

Re: New Prop advise wanted

Hey GodsBeast, Port Allen La huh!? I grew up in Abbeville. After not having a boat for many years, I bought an Astro Fish/Ski for my two boys this spring. I am experimenting with different prop sizes just as you are. I have also found that just going to SS helped a lot; at least on my boat. Now I am keeping the SS and testing a different pitch. Working with a local dealer who is letting me try ther props close to how was described earlier. Something I do remember about the boats we ran down in the bayou...we always used SS. Way too many stumps, logs, and gators that could take out a prop. The SS lasted a lot longer. By te way, where is the camp you are looking at? I visit La and usually stay at my cousins camp on the Boston Canal. Happy boating! Coach

The Marine Doctor · Aug 28, 2003

Re: New Prop advise wanted

The Bravo drive that you are asking about is built and works differently than the Alpha. Its larger...shifting is done in the driveshaft housing not in the gearcase and has larger gears. To put it simple...they are designed for Large heavy boats as the size of the drive helps with lift. The Alpha is under no greater stress with the engine you have on it. Alpha's have been used for years with large powerplants. IF for instance you were turning a Huge 23 Pitch prop and pulling Tubes with it, this may stress the Alpha. But running a 19 or so is not putting anymore stress on it than a normal 4.3litre would <---215 HP. BTW there is also gear reduction to take in mind. You are not running the same gear ratio that the 3.0LX uses. If Mercury did not think it would work...they would not let the Boat Manufactures sell the product that way. Something else I would like to point out...You do NOT necessarily lose speed when dropping in Pitch. People seem to forget that you turn extra RPM's when you choose a smaller prop. There is more to propping than the average person knows about. TMD

walleyehed · Aug 28, 2003

Re: New Prop advise wanted

The last 3 lines of TMD's post is why I said try the 17".......Greater pitch does not always mean greater speed....Read by many, understood by few........

Boatist · Aug 28, 2003

Re: New Prop advise wanted

I would try the Stainless Steal Porp but I think you will find 17 pitch to be correct. If you are at 4650 RPMS with a light load them you would drop to 4250 with the 19 pitch with your light load. When you take the 6 to 8 people and extra gear like you said in your first post your RPMS will drop even lower and lug the engine. Even with the 17 pitch and a light load you are already at the low end of your rpm range. If you do try the 19 I would sure make sure you can try and then exchange if you do not like it. Your engine is designed for a WOT RPM range of 4600 - 5000.

GodsBeast · Aug 29, 2003

Re: New Prop advise wanted

Allright

This is what I wanted, Opinions, Tips, and things to consider. Because it is obvious I don't know diddly about props. Thanks for your patience in teaching me and helping ole stupid along.

OK replies, Coach the Camp I refered to earlier, this is my best way to explain getting there. I don't know all the canal names. If you leave Floyd's Marley Marina, (which is in back Brusly) and head South on the Intercoastal Canal it is the first or second split off canal to the right. The double decker Pontoon Party Barge boat I refered to is named the Belle of Baton Rouge. It is really a 2 story Houseboat. We saw the Bell of B.R. out 2 weekends ago, I slowed to slowly pass by him, he was anchored, and had swimmers in the water, and a bunch of folks on the top deck sunning. Many turned and gave a tumbs up, and hollered "Nice boat" to me as we made our way by. This made me feel good, my 25 foot boat, would probably fit on his top deck

. I also returned his compliment. I am not familier with the Boston Canal. Where is it? Marine Doctor: Many thanks to you, I now understand at least, that they are two different types of set up, between the Alpha and the Bravo, and not just a one is a better grade set up over the other type thing. Thanks for pointing this out. You said there is a whole lot to propping that the average person knows, and your right! I'm not even Average

when it comes to propping. Thats why I appreciate any and all of yall's feedback. Walleyehed again thanks, I'm learning. Boatist, your are correct, I read the book, looking for it and didn't see it, finally found that the RPM range at WOT is 4600-5000. The only way I would try to use a 19" prop is if I could take it back, that is good sound advise. A friend of mine, that owns a Pawn Shop, used to own Captain J's diving charters, his own ship, etc. He also has owned many boats. He has a cross reference book, where I bring in my Prop numbers and he can cross reference those to other props. His opinion also leans towards the 17", as the book seems to indicate. He told me that now, with all these different names, that all these props are being made by the same people? Or they are now owned by the same people or something to that effect? I don't mean to quote him incorrectly. Anyway the cross book should be helpful. I didn't realize there was SO Many choises in just Stainless Steel Props.

Anyway I really appreciate yalls time to help me get started in picking a prop, and the tips to saving me future problems with those choises. Hopefully one day I can return a favor, isn't this what it is all about!

Just one of GodsBeast's (Ken Bates)

Coach · Aug 29, 2003

Re: New Prop advise wanted

Send me an EMAIL if you would like...we'll talk off the message board if you would like. RajinCajun@Charter.net Coach

GodsBeast · Sep 1, 2003

Re: New Prop advise wanted

OK Coach, I sent ya an E mail. Well guys, I guess things just got sped up. I will have to change that prop in the next 2 weeks before going out again. Upon running this weekend, I had to keep the speed slow, did feel some vibration. So, I guess I'm thinkin try 17" SS first. Any other suggestions? I appreciate all help so far. GodsBeast

GodsBeast · Sep 10, 2003

Re: New Prop advise wanted

Well, here is an update. Wednesday, found a Prop shop, and it was suggested to me to try this Stainless Steel Prop, QuickSilver 48 16314 14 17P, Nope, this won't do, my highest RPM's was 4550, when my RPM range should be 4600 - 5000. The S.S. Prop also burned more gas, I guess with the engine lugging. Anyway, while out on the boat, called the Prop Shop man, he said he was going to make a call and decide on weather to go with a 16" S.S. or maybe a 15" S.S. He did say that as the water temperature goes down, that RPM's should go up some, but that we were going to have to go down at least one prop size. He said he'd have one there for me to try Friday, when I bring back this 17" S.S. and pick up my reshaped Aluminum, to keep as a spare. Hopefully the next one will do the trick. Any feedback? Suggestions? I appreciate the comments so far! GodsBeast

GodsBeast · Sep 12, 2003

Re: New Prop advise wanted

Thanks for all previous help with this prop. Today I returned the 17" S.S. Prop, which would not allow my RPM's past 4550, when my range is 4600 - 5000. So today I picked up my reshaped Aluminum Prop, and exchanged the 17 for a 16" S.S. Power Tech Prop. Numbers are M200MQS3R169 9405687. There were some numbers above the name Powere Tech (318-688-1970) but I have no clue what they are, maybe a phone number

. Anyway, I got the plug in, oils, checked. Ready to go in the morning, screw the 60% chance of Rain. YOU GOTTA LOVE IT!

Comments welcome, GodsBeast

walleyehed · Sep 12, 2003

Re: New Prop advise wanted

Every POWER TECH prop has it's own serial number stamped into the prop. That should be a good match, but Power techs usually pull harder....Keep us posted.

New Prop advise wanted

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